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Increased risk of atrial fibrillation in patients with Behçet's disease: A nationwide population-based study
Euijae Lee1, Eue-Keun Choi1, Jin-Hyung Jung2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Insights
Patients with Behçet's disease (BD) have a significantly higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF). This increased risk is particularly pronounced in younger men and those with severe disease, highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Chronic inflammation is implicated in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF).
- The association between Behçet's disease (BD) and AF risk is not well-established.
- This study investigates the potential link between BD and an increased incidence of AF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients diagnosed with Behçet's disease (BD).
- To compare AF incidence between BD patients and a matched control group.
- To identify specific demographic or disease-related factors influencing AF risk in BD.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cohort study utilizing Korean National Health Insurance Service data (2010-2014).
- Included 6,636 newly diagnosed BD patients and 31,040 age- and sex-matched controls without prior AF.
- AF diagnosis was based on claims data, with a mean follow-up of 3.6 years.
Main Results:
- The incidence of newly diagnosed AF was 2.3 per 1000 person-years in the BD group versus 1.1 in controls.
- Behçet's disease (BD) was associated with a 1.8-fold increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) after adjustment.
- Elevated AF risk was observed in younger BD patients (≤40 years) and men (2.5-fold increase), and in severe BD cases.
Conclusions:
- Behçet's disease (BD) is linked to a significantly higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF).
- Men and younger individuals with BD face a greater risk of AF.
- Active surveillance for AF in BD patients, especially those with arrhythmic symptoms, is warranted.
Background:
Chronic inflammation plays a role in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there is a paucity of information about whether Behçet's disease (BD) is associated with an increased risk of AF. This population-based study aimed to determine the risk of AF in patients with BD.
Methods:
A total of 6636 newly diagnosed BD patients without a history of AF were included from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database between 2010 and 2014. Newly diagnosed non-valvular AF was identified using the claims data. An age- and sex-matched non-BD subjects were extracted at a ratio of 1:5 (n = 31,040). The incidence and risk of AF were compared between groups.
Results:
During a mean follow-up of 3.6 ± 1.5 years, AF was newly diagnosed in 173 patients (51 in the BD group, 122 in the control group). The incidence was 2.3 and 1.1 per 1000 person-years, respectively. After adjustment, the BD group showed a 1.8-fold higher risk of AF compared to the control group. Patients with BD aged ≤40 years had a higher risk of AF, while patients aged ≥65 years showed a similar risk. Men with BD had a 2.5-fold increased risk of AF, whereas women with BD did not. Severe BD had a higher risk for AF compared to non-severe BD and controls.
Conclusions:
BD was associated with an increased risk of AF, particularly in men and young patients. Active surveillance and treatment are needed in BD patients and those with arrhythmic symptoms.